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3 Sheets-S heet 1.

T. 0 SMITH & B. D. AOKER.

MEANS FOR TURNING ON AND OFF ELECTRIC GURRENTS.

No. 465,805. Patented Dec. 22, 1891.

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S w wy ga 1 Qdcw WITNESSES INVENTORS:

(Nb Model.) 3 Sheets-Sheet 2.

T. 0. SMITH 8513. D. ACKER. MEANS FOR TURNING ON AND OF]? ELECTRICUURRENTS.

N0. 465,805. Patented Dec. 22, 1891.

INVENTORS: r limpcw WITNESSES 3 Sheets-'Sheet 3.

-T. 0. SMITH & B. D. AGKER. MEANS FOR TURNING ON AND OFF ELEGTRIGOURRENTS.

(No Model.)

No. 465,805. Patented Dec. 22, 1891.

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WITNESSES ing On and Off Electric Currents, of which UNITED STATESPATENT OFFICE.

THOMAS CARPENTER SMITH AND BENJAMIN D. AOKER, OF PHILADELPHIA,PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNORS TO ISAAC C. \VALKER AND HENRY G. KER

LER, OF SAME PLACE.

MEANS FOR TURNING ON AND OFF ELECTRIC CURRENTS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 465,805, dated December22, 1891.

Application filed October 1, 1890.

To all whom it nutty concern:

Be it known that we, THOMAS CARPENTER SMITH, a subject of the Queen ofGreat Britain, residing in the city and county of Philadelphia, in theState of Pennsylvania, and BENJAMIN D. ACKER, a citizen of the UnitedStates, and likewise a resident of the city and county of Philadelphia,in the State of Pennsylvania, have jointlyinvented certain new anduseful Improvements in Means forTurnthe following is a specification.

Our invention relates to the means for 10- cally controlling or turningon or off an electric current set up in a circuit utilized for anydesired purpose, and relates especially to such currents as are employedto energize a series of electric lights.

Ileretofore when a series of electric lights have been established upona common circuit diliiculty in their manipulation has been experiencedin that while any number of points along the line might be provided atwhich the circuit could be opened, it has been necessary that theoperator or user should, in turning the current on again, return to theplace at which it was turned oiii, instead of being able to turn saidcurrent on or close the circuit from other points in the vicinity ofwhich he might be along the line. Heretofore however a system has beendevised of providing a pair of companion switch wires, which are both atone end connected respectively with two of the respective points of athree point switch, and are at the other end connected respectively withtwo of the respective points of a second three point switch, situated ata point more or less remote from the switch first named. Such anarrangement is shown in Fig. 7 of the drawings, in which \V is one and Xthe other three point switch, and y y the two companion switch wires. Tothe third point ot the switch \V the extremity of a line wire .2 isconnected, and to the third point of the switch X the extremity of aline wire .2" is connected. The line wires are always each in circuitwith one or the other of the switch wires, and when both line wires areconnected to the same switch wire, as for example, 3 the circuit isSerial No. 366,749. (No model.)

closed. When this is the case it is evident that the rotation of eitherswitch so as to throw the extremityof theline wire connected with itinto contact with the switch wire 1 will open the circuit, and when thecurrentis so opened, it is apparent that the circuit can be closed atthe point occupied by either switch, for the reason that one line wirebeing in circuit with one switch wire, and the other line wire incircuit with the other switch wire, rotation ofeitherswitchwillnecessarily place its main wire in circuit with the sameswitch wire which is in circuit with the other line wire. This systemhowever cannot from the nature of its organization, provide more thanthe two points of control indicated, and therefore does not remove thedifficulty mentioned. Thus for instance when it has been resorted to inconnection with the wiring of residences lighted by electricity, oneswitch has been placed at the top and the other at the bottom of thehouse, manipulationof the switches necessitating a visit to either ofthese points, a consideration which diminishes the convenience andtherefore the desirability of electric lighting systems for 1nulti-storied buildings.

It is the object of our invent-ion to provide an inexpensive,economical, and convenient,

means by which an electric current can be opened or closed at will fromany convenient one of any desired predetermined number of points ofcontrol along a circuit, with equal facility.

In the drawings we illustrate and herein we describe a preferred form ofa convenient embodiment of our invention, the particular subject matterclaimed as novel being hereinat'ter definitely specified.

In the drawings,l igure l is a diagrammatic view of a series of electriclights, the circuit in which the same are established being providedwith a preferred embodiment of our invention. Fig. 2 is a frontelevational View of one of the switches resorted to in connection withthe practice of our invention, the cover being supposed removed toexhibit its construction. Fig. 23 is a detail view in perspective of thedrum of said switch. Figs. t,

of different positions of the switches employed in the practice of ourinvention. Fig. 7 is as stated a diagrammatic view of a form of circuitopening and closing arrangement heretofore in use.

Generally stated,ourinvention comprehends the provision and employmentat any preferred part of an electric circuit, of a double series ofconducting sections, united by associated switches into a continuoussystem, the individual members of which double series, under thegovernment of the switches, are thrown variously into circuit witheither the one or the other or both of the main wires, or constitutetemporarily with others a dead circuit.

In Fig. 1 of the drawings, A is the cut out or starting point of acircuit, and B C are the respective wires leading therefrom to form acircuit for the energizing of a series of lamps Q supposed located uponthe different floors of a multi-storied residence. 1) b b b are a seriesof conductor sections and c c c c are a corresponding series ofconductor sections. D is a three point switch at the extremity of thewire B, and E is a three point switch at the end of the wire 0. Thewires or conductor sections 12' c are each as to one extremity connectedwith one of the points of the switch D, and the wires or conductorsections b and c are each as to one extremity connected with one of thepoints of the switch E. The wires 1) c and the wires 1) c are connectedby adevice by which said wire I) is adapted to be placed and held incircuit with either the wire 1) or c ,-and by which said wire 0' isadapted to be placed and held in circuit with either the wire I) or c,the arrangementbeing such that when the wire 1) isin circuit with thewire b the wire 0 is necessarily in circuit with the wire c ,while onthe other hand if the wire I) is in circuit with the wire 0 the wire 0is necessarily in circuit with the wire b This connection is effected bya form of switch contrivance of our invention, whereof hereinafter. Asimilar switch arrangement is made with regard to the contiguous ends ofthe wires 19 c and b c ,and with regard to the contiguous ends of thewires 11 c and b c,and so on for as many conductor sections as may beemployed.

In this specification when we speak in referring to the conductorsections, of a straight connection we refer to one in which the switchis set to make such a connection as that between and uniting thesections 1) and b or b and b while when we speak of a cross connectionwe refer to such a connection as one between and uniting the sections 1)and 0* 'or b and c.

The operation of the apparatus so far described will be understood fromthe following description: Assume the switches all so set that astraight connection exists between the sections 1) b b b and a similarstraight connection exists between the sections 0 c c 0 and assume thewire B connected with the section b and the wire 0 connected with thesection cfl in which arrangement the circuit is open,it will be apparentthat if any one of the switches, say for example the switch between thesections b c and b c (Fig. 4) be so set as to effect a cross connectionbetween the sections 12 and c and c b ,the sections 1) b c and 0 willplace the wires B and O in circuit, while the sections 0 c b and I) willform a dead circuit. The circuit being thus set up it is apparent thatifsaid switch be restored to its set first described, the circuit will beagain thrown open, and it will also be understood that if instead ofrestoring said switch to its first position, it be leftin the positionshown in Fig. 4, and any one of the other switches, as for instance theswitch No. 3 connecting the sections Z1" 0 with the sections 1)" 0 beset to effect the cross connection of said sections, as shown in Fig. 5,said circuit will be thrown open for the reason that the current of thewire 13 will travel along the wires 1) b c and b ,which latter is freeor open, while the current of the wire C will travel along the sectionsa b c c, which is also free or open, said currents while so to speakoverlapping each other, not being brought together, as shown in Fig. 5.If the switch No. 3 last referred to be returned to its straightposition it will close the circuit again, or if said switch be left inits cross position and the switch No.2 be set in its straight position,it will close the circuit. If, again, said switches 2 and 3 be left intheir cross position as shown in said Fig. 5, and any other of theswitches be set to a cross position, the circuit will be closed. Thusfor example if the switch No. 1 he as shown in Fig. 6 rotated to a crossposition, the current of the wire B will pass along the sections 1) c 1)0 to the wire C while the sections 0 b c b will form a dead circuit aswe term it. The switches being new supposed all set in their crosspositions, if any one of them be set in a straight position, it willopen the circuit, or the alteration of the set of either of the threepoint switches will similarly open said circuit.

It will from the foregoing be understood that regardless of the variousadjustments or positions in which the different switches may be set, ifthe circuit is closed the movement of any one of the switches will openit, while if the circuit is open the movement of any one of the switcheswill close it.

In practice in the application of the invention to the wiring ofbuildings it is contemplated to make each pair of companion conductorsections of such length as to extend from each floor to that above orbelow it, so that one of the switches may be located upon each floor, bywhich arrangement it is obvious that regardless of the floor from whichthe circuit is closed it may be opened from any, and on the other handregardless of the floor from which the circuit is opened it may beclosed from any. It is obvious that the arrangement is of utility inconnection with IIO circuits utilized for other purposes than lighting,and also obvious that any desired number of conductor sections made inany desired lengths may be employed.

lVhile a variety of switches to effect the straight and crossconnections between the sections described may be resorted to, we preferto employ a switch of the following character, viz:

G, Fig. 2, is the base plate of the switch, for instance No. 1, upon theface of which are located four binding posts, h, i, j, and 7a, to whichbinding posts are respectively secured the four conductor or switchsections 11 c b 0 Each of the posts conveniently supports or is providedwith a bracket or arm, respectively designated h t j and 7t, and uponeach arm is mounted a brush which latter are re spectively designated7L2 '6 7' k In the construction shown the brushes are secured at theirouter ends upon their respective brackets while their bodies and freeextremities extend inwardly to the drum or commutator, the arrangementbeing such that the brushes 7L2. j are contiguous to each other but notin contact, on one side of the commutator, so as to both tread on acommon face of said commutator,while the brushes 2' 7C2 are similarlycontiguous to each other but notin contact, on the opposite side of thecommutator, so'as to both similarly tread upon a common face thereof.

L is the drum or commutator, mounted conveniently upon so as to berotated with a spindle M, provided with a key m at its outer end andentered in the plate G. The periphery of said commutator embodies foursegmental eccentric faces Z Z Z Z the point of greatest projection orcrest of each being circumferentially succeeded by the place of leastprojection of its neighbor, whereby shoulders are formed which prevent abrush from making contact with two faces at once. Each of the faces Zand Z is covered by a plate of conducting material Z and the faces 1 andZ each bear a pair of strips, one, Z at the outer end, and the other, Z,at the inner end, of the commutator. The plates Z are insulated fromeach other and from the strips, but the two strips Z are connected by aconductor Z and the two strips Z are connected by a conductor Z bothwhich conductors conveniently extend through the body of the commutator.

Referring to Fig. 2 of the drawings it will be understood from theforegoing description that the section b? is through the binding postIt, bracket 71/, brush 7L2, plates Z connection Z brush k bracket andbinding post k,- in circuit with the wire c ,and that the wire a isthrough the binding post i, bracket t", brush 2' plates '5, connection Zbrush J bracketj', and binding post j, in circuit with the wire b g-saidswitch being shown as set to effect the cross connection hereinbeforereferred to. Itwill also be understood that upon the quarter rotation tothe right of the commutator, the brushes It will both tread upon acommon metal plate, Z and the wires 1) and 6 therefore be in circuitwith each other; and that the brushes 1' 7.: will similarly both treadupon a common metal plate 1*, and the wires 0 0 therefore be in circuitwith each other, said switch being when in such position set to effectthe straight connection hereinbefore referred to. A further quarterrotation to the right of said commutator will bring the switch again into the position shown in Fig. 2.

The commutator shown is designed to be turned only to the right, asrotation in the other direction would be prevented by the contact of itsprojections with the abutting extremities of the brushes.

Examination of the operation of the form of apparatus hereinbeforedescribed will show that regardless of the various combinations oralterations of adjustment to which the different switches may besuccessively shifted, the sections always constitute two equal groups,the individual sections of each group being electrically connected. Thusin Fig. 4 the sections 0 c b b form one group,and the sections Z) b c aform the other group. Thus again in Fig. 5, and also in Fig. 6, thesections constitute two equal groups. These groups existing insubstantial parallelism, or overlapping so to speak, and the contiguousextremity of one line wire being necessarily in contact with either ofthe end sections, and the contiguous extremity of the other line wirebeing necessarily in contact with either of the other end sections, itwill be understood that, the two groups being necessarily continuousfrom end to end an opening or closing of the circuit may be made at anypoint within the area covered by said sections and provided with aswitch.

\Vhile we have mentioned the employment of three point switches at therespective ends of the series, it is obvious that switches of thecharacter shown in Fig. 2 might be employed in their stead, as forexample by attaching the extremity of the line wire 13 to the bindingpost it, attaching the wires 0 I) to the binding posts j 7;respectively, and making no use of the binding post t',--the result ofwhich arrangement would be, as will be understood, that in the rotationof the drum or commutator the wire B would make connection alternatelywith the sections 0 1).

Having thus described our invention, we claim:

1. In combination with the permanent terminals of two line wires ofopposite polarity, companion conductors located between said terminalsand embodying a series of interruptions,inovable conductors at eachinterruption which maintain two conductors on one side of a giveninterruption in connection alternately straight and cross with the twoconductors on the other side of said interruption, each permanentterminal being in circuit with one and out of circuit with the other ofthe adjacent pairs of conductor sections of the series, substantially asset forth.

2. In combination with line conductors, a pair of companion conductorsembodying a series of interruptions by which they are divided into asuccession of pairs of conductor sections, through a series of whichsections consisting of one member of each of said pairs electricallyconnected, thecircuit of the line conductors is completed and closed,while the remaining member of each pair is out of circuit,movableconductors located at the interruptions, which maintain the twoconductor sections on one side of each interruption in connection,alternately straight and cross, with the two conductors on the otherside of said interruption, substantially as set forth.

3. In combination with an electric circuit comprising companionconductors embodying a series of interruptions by which they are dividedinto a succession of pairs of conductor sect-ions,-throngh a series ofwhich sections consisting of one member of each of said pairselectrically connected the circuit is closed while the remaining memberof each pair is outof circuit,four terminals for the respectiveconductor sections at each interruption arranged around a common point,conductors capable of connecting the conductor sections straightwise andconductors capable of connecting the conductor sections cross-wise, withthe result that the conductor sections not included in the closedcircuit are electrically connected together, substantially as set forth.

at. In combination with an electric circuit comprising companionconductors embodying a series of interruptions, movable conductorscapable of connecting the conductor sections straightwise, movableconductors capable of connecting the conductor sections cross-wise, anda common operating means for both sets of conductors, the conductorsections being by the movable conductors connected into two groups, themembers of each pair of sections being distributed one in'each of saidgroups, and said groups being distinct so that when one is in the closedcircuit the other is out of circuit, substantially as set forth.

5. In combination with an electric circuit, comprising companionconductors embodying a series of interruptions which divide theconductors into a series of pairs of conductor sections, movableconductors capable of connecting the sections straightwise, movableconductors capable of connecting the conductor sections cross-wise, bothmounted on a common structure, the conductor sections being by themovable conductors connected into two groups the members of eachpairbeing distributed one in each of said groups, said groups beingdistinct so that when one is in the closed circuit the other is out ofcircuit, substantially as set forth.

(3. In an electric circuit, in combination with the line wires, a seriesof conductorsections arranged in pairs, one line wire being connected toa switch by which it may be placed alternately in circuit with thesections of the pair at one end, the other line wire being similarlyconnected to a switch by which it may be alternately placed in circuitwith the sections of the pair at the other end of the series, and-eachsection making contact with a switch by which it may be placed at willin circuit with either the longitudinally adjacent section in its ownaligned series or the longitudinally adjacent section in the otherseries, the arrangementbeing such that when the circuit is closed partof said sections are included in it while the remainder of saidsections, connected together, are out of said circuit, substantially asset forth.

7. In an electric circuit, in combination with conductor sections, aswitch, two binding posts upon which four sections are respectivelyconnected, brushes supported by said binding posts, a rotatable drumwith which said brushes are by pairs in contact, which drum embodiesindependentsegmental faces alternately composed of single plates ofconducting material adapt-ed to place the brushes of one pair in circuitwith each othcr,and of double independent plates of conducting materialrespectively connected with corresponding plates on another face of thedrum and adapted to place brushes of one pair in circuit with brushes ofan opposite pair, substantially as set forth.

8. In an electric circuit, in combination with pairs of conductorsections, a switch provided with a rotatable drum and with binding poststo which the sections are respectively connected, brushes supported bysaid binding posts, which brushes are by pairs in tread upon differentperipheral portions of said drum, said drum being formed with faces,which are successively or alternately provided with insulated plates ofmetal, and with pairs of strips which are in connection with pairs ofstrips upon the opposite face of the drum or commutator, substantiallyas set forth.

9. In an electric circuit, a switch composed of a rotatable drum orcommutator, embodying peripheral faces, half of which faces are providedwith insulated plates of conducting material, and the others of whichare each provided with two strips of conducting material, each of saidlast named strips being in circuit with corresponding strips on theother face or faces of the drum,two pairs of conductor sections, brusheswith which said sections are connected, the brushes to which the firstsection of each respective pair of sections are connected lying closetogether and in tread upon one face of the drum at a time,--and thebrushes to which the second section of each respective pair of sectionsare connected, lying close together and in contact or tread upon oneface of the drum at a time, all the brushes being alwayscontemporaneously 1n tread upon faces of like character, substantiallyas set forth.

IIO

10. 111 an electric circuit, in combination plate 1* or with bothrespective strips Z and with two pairs of conductor sections, brushes n1circuit with said sections, a rotatable drum Z, all the brushes beingcontemporaneously in tread upon drum faces of similar arrange- I 5provided with Jlates 1*, and with stri 3s Z Z ment, substantially as setforth.

connected by conductors Z Z the brushes in circuit with the firstsection of both pairs of i conductor sections being both adapted to[ Imake contact with a common plate Z or both with respective strips Z 1and the brushes in circuit with the second sections of each pair ofconductor sections being both similarly adapted to make contact with thecommon In testimony that We claim the foregoing as our invention, wehave hereunto signed our names this 25th day of August, A. D. 1890.

THOMAS CARPENTER SMITH. BENJAMIN D. AOKER. In presence 01' F. NORMANDIXON, LEWIs ALTMAIER.

